A handmade ceramic tile is the result of weeks of patient work. The basic production stages followed in our workshop are as follows:
- Preparing the clay: Clay, quartz, and kaolin are mixed in specific proportions to create the ceramic body.
- Shaping: The clay is shaped using molds or a potter’s wheel to form tiles, plates, or vases.
- Drying and bisque firing: The dried pieces are fired for the first time to achieve a sturdy structure.
- Glazing: The surface is coated with a white glaze that makes the patterns appear bright.
- Pattern Transfer (Silkme): The pattern drawn on perforated paper is transferred to the surface using charcoal powder.
- Outlining: The outer lines of the motifs are drawn with a fine brush.
- Painting: The motifs are hand-painted using natural pigments.
- Glazing and Glaze Firing: The piece is coated with a transparent glaze and fired a second time at high temperature; the colors become glass-like, lustrous, and permanent.
This process transforms each tile into a durable and unique work of art.